Don’t you just love the power of Instagram when it comes to finding new places to visit? When I asked my followers if they had tips for beautiful places to visit in Yorkshire, a few people recommended a day out in Knaresborough.
I had never heard of it before, but after looking at people’s pictures of the place, I made up my mind to visit en route to Harrogate. It unexpectedly turned into a full day there!
Knaresborough is a postcard-perfect Medival town near Harrogate in Yorkshire. It looks how I imagine Americans expect all of England to look: an impressive viaduct sits high above a river that’s surrounded in lush wildlife. Young couples and families row boats between quaint village pubs and ice creams melt into sticky hands. Ladies sip from steaming cups in quaint tearooms… you get the picture.
Continuing my UK travel guides series, here are my tips for planning a perfect day out in Knaresborough including the top things to see, do and where to eat.
13 Best things to do in Knaresborough
Scroll down to the end of this guide for tips for getting to Knaresborough and parking information, restaurant recommendations and other essential information.
First, here’s what to see and do in Knaresborough on your day out.
1. Visit the castle
The ruins of Knaresborough Castle overlook the Nidd and date back to 1130. It was destroyed in 1648 when parliament decided to dismantle all Royalist castles. Today you can climb from Waterside up to the fortress (not suitable for anyone with mobility issues). If you’re up to it after the walk, you can rent sports equipment from the castle to enjoy the beautifully maintained bowling green and putting green.
When the castle reopens, you can pay an entry fee to have a look at the Tudor Courtroom Museum and King’s Chamber, visit the dungeon and find the secret underground exit.
2. Explore Bebra gardens
Tucked below the castle, these picturesque gardens are the perfect place for a picnic in Knaresborough. This is one of the loveliest free things to do in Knaresborough and shouldn’t be missed. Pause as you walk up to the fortress and enjoy the meandering pathways, tiered foliage and outdoor paddling pool.
There’s a truly unique butterfly-shaped memorial bench there in a patch of shade.
3. Attend the local market
Market day in Knaresborough is Wednesday, when the market square comes to life with local traders selling produce from all over Yorkshire. The stalls are there from 10am until 3pm.
The weekly market has been going strong since 1310 – surely that’s some sort of record?
4. Row on the River Nidd
Knaresborough is a great UK destination for couples and the most romantic activity there is of course rowing boats together! Hire a rowing boat for £6 (or £7 if you go to the vendors closer to the viaduct) and enjoy a tranquil hour on the River Nidd.
Those of you who saw my Instagram stories during our visit will know that it wasn’t quite as relaxing as Tom and I expected. We were given the oldest, most broken boat ever and spent the hour shouting at each other while other couples sailed past. Ah well, at least we’ll remember it!
5. Have a spa day
Dower House & Spa offers guests the chance to unwind in sumptuous surroundings between sightseeing. Their Imagine Spa has an ice fountain, pool with a jacuzzi, crystal steam room and foot spas.
Guests can use the spa for free but if you’d like to book a treatment, you can choose from everything from bespoke prescriptive facials to hot stone massages. They do various spa break deals, so keep an eye out if you’re planning an overnight stay in Knaresborough.
6. See Mother Shipton’s Cave
Did you know that the top attraction in Knaresborough is thought to be England’s oldest tourist attraction? Mother Shipton’s Cave is hidden away in Knaresborough’s Royal Forest and the fascinating Petrifying Well is nearby. The well has turned many objects into stone since 1630.
Mother Shipton is England’s most famous prophetess, having predicted the future accurately a scary amount of times. She even predicted the Great Fire of london!
Pre-bookings are currently essential. Admission is £30 per car (up to 7 people).
7. Walk along the river
The River Nidd’s name comes from the Celtic for ‘brilliant’ and there are some seriously brilliant views from the river banks. There’s a smattering of cafes where you can grab a refreshment, or why not pack a picnic for your walk?
Feed the ducks, watch the rowing boats and spot Our Lady Of The Crag, a chapel hewn from rock.
8. Have an ice cream
The best ice cream in Knaresborough is served in either Castle Creamery or Brymor Real Dairy Ice Cream. Be prepared to queue if you visit Knaresborough on a warm day!
Marigold’s is also popular if you don’t want to stray far from the river.
9. Browse the art gallery
Housed in an old flax mill, Art In The Mill showcases paintings, prints, cards, sculptures & ceramics by acclaimed local artists. Spread over three floors, this is a great place to go when it rains in Knaresborough.
Opening times are Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 – 17:30 and Sundays 11:00 – 16:00.
10. Do some shopping
If you aren’t visiting Knaresborough on market day, you can still indulge in a spot of retail therapy. I found two excellent antique stores in the town centre: Chris Holmes Antiques & Art, and Donkey’s Years Antiques – the latter of which has an onsite cafe.
If you’re looking for unique gifts, The Chrystal Buddha is your best bet. You can also stock up on sweets at the traditional sweet shop opposite the art gallery!
11. Make a wish
What’s more magical for kids (and big kids) than making a wish at a real wishing well? Toss a coin into the Diamond Jubilee Wishing Well on Waterside and look forward to your wish coming true.
You can also make a wish at the well near Mother Shipton’s Cave if you’re visiting the attraction.
12. Explore the Medieval streets
Knaresborough’s Medieval streets are just begging to be explored. There are some enchanting old houses with blue plaques outside providing information about their history.
I fell in love with some of the properties we saw in Knaresborough. Does anyone else love checking out the real estate in new places they visit? Tom and I can’t help ourselves!
13. Find the best view of the viaduct
If you want to get good photographs of that Harry Potter-esque viaduct, see if you can time it for the train passing overhead!
The best view of Knaresborough’s grand viaduct is either from the water itself on a rowing boat, or from above, in the castle grounds. This is Knaresborough’s most famous landmark so you’ll want to get the best perspective!
Where to eat in Knaresborough
There’s a pub with a lovely beer garden called The World’s End right next to the river in Knaresborough if you’re after a cold pint, They serve a small menu of hot and cold baguettes, jacket potatoes and chips.
Check out Prudame’s for a caffeine hit or Scarlett’s Vintage Tea Rooms for an elegant spot of tea.
If you’re looking for a restaurant to eat in, I highly recommend Two Brothers Grill & Pizzeria. Service is friendly, the pizzas and burgers are fabulous and they have a great value two course deal for £14.95. The deal even includes seafood dishes!
For small tapas-style plates, try Six Poor Folk. They have a great selection of gins, so this is an ideal bar to relax over a few drinks and food in.
How to get to Knaresborough
The town has its own train station. You can get the train to Knaresborough from York, which takes just 30 minutes.
If you’re driving to Knaresborough from the North, use the A1 to A6055 and take exit 48.
Parking in Knaresborough
We got very lucky and found a parking spot on the main road which meant we didn’t have to pay for parking in Knaresborough, but there is sufficient space in the car parks.
There are short stay car parks near the market square but if you’re planning a full day out in Knaresborough, York Place Car park offers all day parking for just £1:60.
Hotels in Knaresborough
We walked past a beautiful holiday rental called Teardrop Cottage which would be perfect for a staycation near the river.
Those planning a luxury break should look at Goldsborough Hall or Dower House.
Places to visit near Knaresborough
Exploring Yorkshire? Same! Here are a few places near Knaresborough that I’ve visited and loved.
My guide to things to do in Whitby
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Knaresborough was a completely unplanned day out for us as we had planned to just stop there for an hour and then drive over to Harrogate. We were pleasantly surpised though, and ended up spending the whole day there! I’m thoroughly enjoying getting to know the north of England and can’t wait for our next day out!
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chloe says
This looks like such a cute little town to visit!
Chloe X
Lauren McGill says
Hey Dannielle I hope you’re well!
Aw man, I do miss England! Hoping to make it back next year xx
MacKenzie says
The medieval streets look so cute, but then having the wishing well on top of that!? Plus a castle? Knaresborough has definitely made it to my list of places to visit thanks to this post!
Krista says
I meant to visit here earlier this year but didn’t have the time. Thanks for the tips I’ll be saving them for later!